Equis Art Online II

As they entered the room, they gasped. They were on some sort of columned balcony, and it was totally dark, the only light coming from the slits between the columns. As they walked further, a deep, withered voice spoke.

"So, you have finally come for The King."

Everyone focused on a huge rough-hewn rock throne at the end of the hall. A slouched figure was sitting in it, his head not visible.

"I have long expected this day. The cure has evaded me for too long. I am near death. But I shall fight to the end. Once my conquest is complete, I will reign forever."

"There is no cure, father! Can you not see that your search has blinded you!" Vilja cried, stepping forward.

There was a weak laugh.

"Vilja, your own father? This is one of the few times you have defied me. I have never punished you because what little love in my heart for persevered, but that is now long gone."

There was a loud crack, and Vilja was thrown back, clutching her face. A long red cut graced her cheek, making Klein growl. She recoiled and coughed, but stood back up.

"Even now, you persist. I had hoped to spare you the fire I that now will soon envelop Alfheim, but now, I see I was fooling only myself. I condemn to the fires of the underworld."

"That does not matter." Vilja spoke.

The figure laughed again.

"As for the warriors, I commend you. Defeating my Warpriest and my Torchbearer? Your skills are impressive. For even we have heard tales of your bravery, how you ended Thrym."

Kirito gasped slightly.

"Your claiming of the Holy Sword was a fine feat. But It will not serve you here. You are brave, but foolish. Only the gods of Asgard have been able to defeat my ancestors, and even though they perished, their arts did not. It will take more than steel and skill to defeat me. I expect a great battle, worthy of the sagas, from you, and know this..."

Kirito braced himself, along with the group.

"I will hold nothing back. I shall use every last breath in me fighting you. PREPARE YOURSELVES!"

The figure on the throne stood up, and white light poured into the room as the skies cleared, revealing a white sky. Syrt was now revealed to the fairies in the flesh. His face had traces of a once-handsome figure, but it was now worn, gaunt, and Cris-crossed with wrinkles and lines. His reddish-purple eyes were sunken in their gaunt sockets, and his hair was worn and tangled. His chest still bore a well-toned, muscular body, though it looked like he was severely malnourished. As he stood up, he was revealed to be wearing a frayed, blood red cloak, with armor similar to that of a Viking Warrior. A massive black gash scar decorated his forehead, and as he stood up to his full height, his blackened teeth made Twilight cringe slightly. As his colossal form looked down on them, not one, not two or three, but SIX HP bars appeared, with a name.

SYRT-THE KING OF ASHES

Kirito smiled.

"This is it, guys! We pull this off, we save Aarune and Alfheim! We can't lose this! Remember to listen to Yui! Keep your eyes and ears open! LET'S FINISH THIS!"

"YOU GOT IT!" Came the response from everyone but Vilja, who nodded gravely and a small blue flame appeared in her palm. Kirito attached the Chalice of Light to his belt, and as Syrt leaped into the air, his fist enveloped in black, red, and purple energy he threw a colossal punch towards Kirito...